260 THE DOG IN DISEASE. 



Instead of giving a systematic account of each disease, 

 we propose to now add some remarks especially as to how 

 to discriminate between them as they actually meet the 

 practitioner of medicine, and in reference to treatment. 

 We advise all owners and breeders of dogs, when their 

 animals have prolonged diarrhcea or slimy and bloody 

 stools, or give evidence of pain, to consult some medical 

 expert, as delay is dangerous, and sound treatment not 

 always possible except by one of special education and 

 experience ; though in all that relates to hygiene, feeding, 

 etc., the intelligent reader, who has had some experience 

 with dogs, should be fairly well prepared. 



Differential Diagnosis between Colic, Gastritis, En- 

 teritds, Dysentery, and Peritonitis. — In typical cases the 

 diagnosis is not specially difficult, but such cases are com- 

 paratively rare. 



Colic, pure and simple, should be easily excluded, as 

 there are no febrile symptoms, the pulse is not quickened 

 appreciably, vomiting is rare, and the pain is relieved on 

 pressure, while in all the others the reverse is the case. 



The symptoms of gastritis, very pronounced in the 

 acute form, are thirst, vomiting, pain, tenderness, etc. 

 The position of the animal is often characteristic, inas- 

 much as it hes stretched out on its belly — there is not the 

 same tendency to arch the back as in colic; but in all 

 these diseases the abdominal walls are tense and shrunken 

 unless there be much flatulence, when distention with ten- 

 sion must result. 



Enteritis may exist wath less marked symptoms, and 

 this should direct attention to the intestines. The tender- 

 ness will be more extensive and reach farther back if pres- 



